Community Transportation for Transportation Disadvantaged Populations in DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, and Okeechobee Counties

The Community Transportation Coordinator provides door-to-door transportation for Transportation Disadvantaged populations, including older adults, individuals with disabilities, low-income households, and others who need a ride in DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, and Okeechobee Counties.

Transportation is provided for medical appointments, employment, education, shopping, social activities, and other life-sustaining services. Trips are prioritized based on trip purpose and provided on a space-available basis.

You must fill out the Rider Registration Form to enroll for transportation service. You can:

• Call 800-260-0139 to request a form be mailed to you
• Download and print the form linked under the Forms, Resources & Helpful Links section
• Complete the form electronically using the form linked under the Forms, Resources & Helpful Links section

Please answer all questions on the form. Failure to do so may delay eligibility. Please allow up to five (5) business days for MTM Transit to receive and process your request.

Once your registration is approved, you can contact MTM Transit to schedule your ride. You must call MTM Transit at 800-260-0139 at least two (2) days before your trip. You can schedule your ride up to 14 days in advance. Return trips are also scheduled when you schedule your ride.

Please have the following information ready when you call:

• Your full name, current address, and phone number
• The date you need a ride
• The name, address, and phone number of where you are going
• The medical reason for your transportation request, if the request is for a medical appointment
• The type of appointment (doctor, dentist, therapy, etc.)

You may schedule your ride from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Due to the number of requests received daily, phone lines may be busy.

Transportation Disadvantaged services are available from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Limited dialysis services are provided on Saturdays. Trips may be prioritized based on trip purpose, and may be provided on a space-available basis. Transportation Disadvantaged service is not available on the following holidays:

• New Year’s Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving
• The day after Thanksgiving
• Christmas Day

• Confirm your pick-up time. You will receive a call the night before your ride to confirm your pick-up time.
• Be ready to go. Your driver can only wait five (5) minutes for you to board.
• Pay the fare. The fare is $2 per ride. You will not pay a fare if Medicaid or a social service agency pays for your trip. We will confirm your fare amount when you schedule your ride. Exact change is required when boarding the vehicle. Do not tip your driver.
• You must provide your own mobility device if you use one.
• You must wear a seatbelt in the vehicle.
• Children age 5 and under are required to be secured properly in a  federally approved child restraint device. The device must be provided by the passenger.
• During peak demand periods, rides may run behind schedule. We recommend you schedule your trip between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to ensure service timeliness.
• You may not smoke, eat, or drink in the vehicle.
• We do not tolerate profanity, violence, loud talking or music, and abusive/rude behavior. You may be suspended for such behavior.

• All fares are suspended until October 1, 2021. 
• Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Federal Transit Administration, all riders are required to wear a mask to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 through January 18, 2022.
• We have enhanced cleaning frequency, and disinfectant products are being used to sanitize the vehicles.
• In keeping with CDC guidelines, please limit or postpone any unnecessary trips, and when riding, please practice social distancing when possible.
• Many businesses, restaurants, senior centers, and adult congregate meal sites are closed. Please contact your location before traveling to verify if they are open.